Ribonucleoprotein multimers and their functions

Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol. 2010 Oct;45(5):331-50. doi: 10.3109/10409238.2010.496772.

Abstract

Ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) play key roles in many cellular processes and often function as RNP enzymes. Similar to proteins, some of these RNPs exist and function as multimers, either homomeric or heteromeric. While in some cases the mechanistic function of multimerization is well understood, the functional consequences of multimerization of other RNPs remain enigmatic. In this review we will discuss the function and organization of small RNPs that exist as stable multimers, including RNPs catalyzing RNA chemical modifications, telomerase RNP, and RNPs involved in pre-mRNA splicing.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Models, Biological
  • RNA Precursors / metabolism
  • RNA Splicing
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Ribonucleoproteins / chemistry
  • Ribonucleoproteins / metabolism*
  • Telomerase / metabolism

Substances

  • RNA Precursors
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Ribonucleoproteins
  • Telomerase